My first use of the Zone System in my photography was employing a N+ Development on the film to build density on the highlights while under-exposing the blackening leaves a bit. I was delighted by the resulting silvery glow on the bark and the rich dark values. My adoption of the Zone system at the time was multiple backs for my Mamiya RB67, each dedicated to a particular development. Using the Zone System, even with my lightweight use of it, was a very empowering technique for realizing the glow I had seen in so many black and white photographs I admired.
Digital Black and White Vision and Printing Workshop. June 24-25, 2023
Stephen Johnson Photography Blog 